Animal-Assisted Trauma Therapy IN A SANCTUARY sETTING

The Unique Role of Animals in Therapeutic Work

Spending time with rescued farm animals can offer unique therapeutic benefits for trauma recovery, aiding in the regulation of our nervous systems.

As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains: “The imprint of trauma doesn’t ‘sit’ in the verbal, understanding, part of the brain, but in much deeper regions–amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, brain stem–which are only marginally affected by thinking and cognition…Studies showed that people process their trauma from the bottom up–body to mind–not top down. But if trauma is situated in these subcortical areas, then to do effective therapy, we need to do things that change the way people regulate these core functions, which probably can’t be done by words and language alone.”

Incorporating rescued farm animals and nature into the therapeutic process leverages the profound human-animal bond, which has been shown to facilitate emotional healing and resilience in several ways:

Shared Narratives and Emotional Healing

Research indicates that individuals who have experienced trauma often find solace in identifying with the shared narratives of rescued animals.

A study on care-farms revealed that 91% of participants found it meaningful to engage with animals that have their own histories of trauma. This connection allows individuals to witness resilience and rehabilitation in animals, which can be empowering and provide a model for their own healing journey. The act of caring for these animals also fosters a sense of compassion and purpose, which can be therapeutic for trauma survivors (Gorman & Cacciatore, 2022). 

Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)

Animal-Assisted Interventions have been increasingly recognized for their potential in trauma therapy.

A systematic review of AAI for trauma, including PTSD, highlighted that interactions with animals can lead to reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Although the methodological rigor of these studies varies, the promising outcomes suggest that AAI could be a valuable complementary treatment for trauma (O’Haire, Guérin & Kirkham, 2015).

Neurobiological Benefits

From a neurobiological perspective, interactions with animals can modulate the effects of trauma, particularly in children.

The presence of animals can help reduce stress and promote recovery by engaging the brain’s synaptic processes, which are often disrupted by trauma. The physical and emotional attunement with animals can contribute to resilience and normal brain development, making it an effective therapeutic approach for regulating the nervous system (Yorke, 2010).